2012

Dems Outraged With Dick Lugar For Saying The Economy Isn't That Bad

Benjy Sarlin | August 10, 2011, 12:14PM

Sen. Richard Lugar (R-IN)

In a highly unusual move, Democrats are going after Sen. Dick Lugar (R-IN) for suggesting that the American economy might be in better shape than the recent S&P downgrade indicates -- a key White House talking point.

In an interview with a local TV station criticizing the ratings agency's decision, Lugar told an interviewer: "The American economy is still strong, that we're making progress although it's very slow in terms of job creation, and that we still have a dollar that is the world currency and we are still selling bonds to everybody all over the world despite the S&P downgrade."

Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee spokesman Shripal Shah said in a statement that Lugar's quote was "out of touch with the struggles that so many Hoosier are facing right now."

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Dick Lugar

Dick Lugar Raises $1 Million Heading into Tough Primary

Benjy Sarlin | April 11, 2011, 12:04PM

Sen. Richard Lugar (R-IN)

Sen. Dick Lugar (R-IN) is a prime Tea Party target this year as he faces a tough primary challenge from state Treasurer Richard Mourdock. But he'll be heading into battle with plenty resources, raising nearly $1 million this quarter.

According to Roll Call, Lugar's latest FEC filings of $974,000 will push his cash-on-hand total to over $3 million, making him a formidable opponent. Mourdock has told reporters he has raised about $125,000.

Money by no means guarantees the seat -- third party groups like the Tea Party Express have proven very effective at boosting insurgent candidates with even relatively small ad buys -- but Lugar's early fundraising numbers signal that he's trying to get ahead of the challenge early.

Indiana

Mitch Daniels BFF With Dick Lugar's Primary Challenger?

Benjy Sarlin | March 29, 2011, 11:13AM

Gov. Mitch Daniels (R-IN)

Longtime Sen. Richard Lugar (R-IN) is facing a tough primary challenge from Indiana state Treasurer Richard Mourdock, who claims he has one very high up supporter behind his insurgency: Republican Gov. Mitch Daniels.

The Indiana governor has said he plans to vote for Lugar, whom he used to serve as an aide, but Mourdock says that his decision to run was heavily encouraged by Daniels.

"Before I decided to do this, he and I had three different conversations about it," Mourdock told Hotline On Call in an interview. "And every time, he said, 'Richard Mourdock, don't you ever, ever, ever let anyone tell you don't have every right to do this. You've earned the right. You worked 31 years in the business world. We don't have that kind of experience very often in Washington."

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